Suction support for bootblack stands and the like



July 31, 1923. 1,4631631 G. SCHONSTEINER ET AL SUCTION SUPPORT FORBOOTBLACK STANDS AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. 30, 1922 k9 M m,

Patented July 31, 1 923..

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GOTTLIEB SCI-IONSTEINEE AND THOMAS EDWARD MICHAEL, OF PITTSBURGH,

PENNSYLVANIA. Y

SUCTION SUPPORT FOR BOOTB LACK STANDS AND .II-IE LIKE.

Application filed September 30, 1922. Serial No. 491,519.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, GorTLInB SoHoN- STEINER, a citizen of Switzerland,and THOMAS EDWARD MICHAEL, a citizen of the United States, both residingat Pittsburgh, in the county of i-illegheny and State of Pennsylvania,have invented a new and useful Suction Support for Bootblack Stands andthe like, of'which the following is a specification. This invention is asemi-automatic foot support.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a stand for use inestablishments, where boots, shoes and the like are cleansed andpolished. Another object of the inven tion is to provide a devicewherein certain discomfitures attending shoe-shining are eliminated, i.e. the slipping off of the foot. Another object is to provide a devicethat is positive in its functioning, economical to manufacture andoperable by anyone.

The invention will be best understood by referring to the followingdetailed desc-rip-.

tion used in connection with the accompanydrawing, and the scope of theinvention will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawing Figure 1 is a vertical elevation of theinvention. Figure 2 is an end view. Figure 3 is a sectional view. Figure4 is a plan "view. I

Referring to the drawing in detail, 10 denotes a base or support, and 11a hollow casing or cylinder, to whichis attached a resilient member 12,used for holding the foot in a comfortable position. On casing orcylinder 11 at its upper end is a checkvalve 14 used to prevent air fromentering,

but permitting its escape from-the cylinder.

Operable within casing 11 is a piston consisting of two parts shown at16. The lower piston-head has a boss 17 rigidly afiixed thereto, inwhich operates a connect ing lever 18. Between piston heads 16 arepositioned leather cups 15, for creating a suction within casing 11,suitable means being provided for securing the same in place. To the rodor lever 18 is attached a handle 19. At the bottom of base 10 is a lock20. To the upper end of casing 11, the foot support 21 is shown fastenedby means of a thread at T. In the base 10 and extending upward is slot13 to permit of operating the lever 18 and handle 19.

In operating the device, the'foot is placed upon'the stand so as tocover the opening 12, thus preventing air from entering the suctionchamber, or cylinder. By pulling down the handle-19 while the foot is sopositioned, a suction effect upon the foot is obtained, which holds itsecurely, and prevents the person polishing the shoe from accidentallydisplacing the said foot. To re lease the foot, the operator unlocks thehandle 19, raises the same, forcing air out through check valve 14,destroying the suction, and leaving the foot free to be removed at will;

While the invention has been described in connection with foot rests forshoe blaoking stands, it is not limited to this particular use, butcomprehends other uses within the scope of the appendedclaims.-

Having thus described our invention'what is claimed is 1. A device ofthe class described comprising a stand having a cylinder at one end withsaid cylinder, and a piston working in I said cylinder. 1

2. A device of the class described comprising a stand having a cylinderat one end provided with a thread, a foot-support provided with a cuphaving a thread complemental to the first threadto close the end of saidcylinder, and a positively operating suction means co-operating withsaid foot-support to prevent slipping of a foot placed thereon.

3. A device of the character described comprising a stand slotted in oneend, a footrest, a suction device co-operatingtherewith, a leverfunctioning in said slot and connected to said suction device, and anautomatic release valve positioned in one, end of said stand.

4. A device of the character described comprising a stand slotted in oneend, a foot-support of the character described consisting of a cylinderon said stand, suctionproducing means operable Within said cylinder, afoot-rest having an opening and comtioning'in said slot and connected tosaid suction device, and an automaticrelease valve positioned in one endof said stand.

5. A device or" thee class described coinprising a cylinder open atoneend, a footrest closing said open end and having an opening therein, andsuction-producing means operable within said cylinder, means locatedWithin the opening of said foot-rest to prevent slipping of a footplaced 7 thereon.

and 7 6. A device of the character described comprising a cylinder; openat oneend, and having a slot at the other in which is operable afunctioning element to create a suction Within said cylinder, afoot-support having removabiy' aiiixed thereto a resilient member toco-operate Witha suctionniiember. V

In testimony whereof ve have hereunto set our hands. 7 I v GOTTLIEBSCHONSTEINER.

THOMAS EDWARD MlCHAEL.

